G-ELCO Elevator Control

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Questions and Answers

Under what circumstances should firefighters use an elevator to ascend a structure?

Only when the reported fire or alarm location is below grade

Always, regardless of the floor level of the alarm or fire location

Never, as it is not a safe practice

Only when the alarm or fire location is above the fourth floor and/or greater than forty feet above grade level (correct)

What should a firefighter do before ascending in an elevator?

Check the elevator shaft for obstacles

Check the elevator's weight capacity

Ensure the elevator is empty before entering

Direct a hand light upward into the opening between the car and the hoist way (correct)

What is the role of the 'Elevator Control' firefighter?

To ensure the elevator is properly cleaned and maintained

To collect PITs of firefighters ascending in the elevator and act as Entry Control (correct)

To operate the elevator

To coordinate the response efforts

What should a firefighter do if smoke, water, or fire is detected in the elevator shaft?

Notify Incident Command and select another elevator for use Signup and view all the answers

What should a firefighter do every five floors of travel in an elevator?

Check for smoke, water, or fire in the elevator shaft Signup and view all the answers

What type of elevator is preferred for use by firefighters?

Elevator identified by a red helmet Signup and view all the answers

What should the Elevator Control firefighter do after crews exit the elevator two floors below the fire location?

Return to the lobby for subsequent arriving firefighters Signup and view all the answers

What equipment should the Elevator Control firefighter have?

Full PPE, including radio and flashlight Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before ascending in an elevator during a firefighting operation?

Check the elevator's proper operation Signup and view all the answers

If there are no alarms present, how do firefighters determine the location of the fire?

By gathering information from other sources Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of firefighters recommended to ascend in an elevator?

Seven firefighters Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the firefighter helmet warning light inside the elevator is flashing?

Do not use the elevator Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if the elevator is not functioning properly or is acting erratically?

Do not use the elevator Signup and view all the answers

Who should be removed from the elevator prior to emergency operations?

All non-TFS personnel and equipment Signup and view all the answers

What should be transmitted if a firefighter becomes trapped in an elevator and there is no immediate danger?

An URGENT Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an elevator fails during an incident and a firefighter is trapped?

Deploy trained personnel in elevator rescue Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Elevator Use

Initial arriving firefighting crews shall use elevators in Phase Two for all emergencies, except medical calls.
Elevators must be used to ascend a structure when the alarm or fire location is above the 4th floor or greater than 40 feet above grade level.

Elevator Selection

Firefighters shall use an elevator identified by a red helmet if available.
If not available, use an elevator identified by a yellow helmet.
If neither is available, use an elevator with no identifier, if the emergency dictates.
Construction elevators shall not be used to ascend a structure.

Elevator Control

A firefighter shall remain with the elevator at all times during an incident, designated as 'Elevator Control'.
Elevator Control collects PITs of firefighters ascending in the elevator and acts as Entry Control until set up in another area.
Elevator Control shall be equipped with full PPE, including radio and flashlight.
Elevator control will return to lobby immediately to pick up next arriving crews.

Pre-Ascension Checks

Prior to ascending, a hand light shall be directed upward into the opening between the car and the hoist way to check for smoke, water, or fire in the elevator shaft. If poor visibility, check every five floors.
If any of these conditions exist, the elevator shall not be used, and Incident Command shall be notified.

Firefighter Safety

Elevator functions shall be tested prior to ascending to ensure proper operation.
Firefighting crews ascending in an elevator will exit two floors below the lowest alarm location indicated. If no alarm present, information can be gathered from visual of exterior, security, maintenance staff, residents exiting the building.
Typically, no more than seven firefighters will ascend with the elevator, and the elevator's weight limit shall not be exceeded.
If the firefighter helmet warning light inside the elevator is flashing, the elevator shall not be used.

Elevator Failure

If an elevator fails during an incident and a firefighter(s) becomes trapped in the shaft, an URGENT or MAYDAY should be transmitted.
An URGENT should be transmitted if there is no immediate danger to the trapped firefighter(s).
A MAYDAY should be transmitted if the trapped firefighter(s) feels they are in need of immediate assistance.

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Description

This quiz covers the guidelines for firefighters on using elevators in emergency situations, including when to use them and when to avoid them.